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Sub $1k Power Amp to pair with Bryston B-60

Looking for advice on a couple of questions.

The scene:
I have a B-60 amp that I love the sound of (perhaps a bit dry, but all round great). I have it running a pair of B&W685s that I would one day like to upgrade (not for a year or two). I am moving into a new house where I will have a dedicated room, and would like to run a bit more power into the speakers (60 WPC works, but the speakers only open up at about 50% on the volume/power knob, at which point the bass can start to get a bit muddy quickly).

My first question:
By adding a power amp to my system, will I get more detail at a lower volume/power levels?

The second question (if the answer is yes to the first):
What would be a good power amp in the $1K range for this set up? I am fine with used gear, and would probably be looking at the 150 WPC range (to allow for future speaker upgrades).

I listen to anything and everything. Classical, rock, jazz, soul, big band, reggae.

Any help would be great.

Thanks!
henryfi
steveaudio
331 posts
 
What is the size of your new room? Sub $1k Power Amps: various Classe's, McCormack DNA .05 or 1.0, various older SS c-J's like MF2300. Or newer like MF2250. I have a couple of SS C-J power amps that I love, & had a McCormack DNA .05 for about a week that sounded really nice even after shipping damage.

Or you could just get a more powerful integrated, like a used Plinius or Classe'..... serious shopping can score you a nice used amp at a good price that you can unload later if your needs change.

I'd say, don't be afraid to upgrade the amp, & then pick new speakers later.....60wpc will only get you so far....
henryfi OP
5 posts
 
Many thanks for the responses so far!

04-11-10: Steveaudio
What is the size of your new room?

A: Couldn't tell you exactly, but I would say no bigger than 15x15, and very low ceilings.

Great advice Rockinroni. I'll make sure to demo the a3cr.
ckung
27 posts
 
I have been running my B60 with a 2B-lp in a biamp configuration with great results. The combo synergizes very well and because they are both Brystons the gains are identical. I believe you can get a used 2B-lp for ~$500. Good luck!
ddd1
261 posts
 
Don't buy anything until you hear your system in the new room. Try to find a room with no two dimensions the same. If you need more power after that, sell your speakers and get some that are more sensitive.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
The problem is the 685s, not the B60. You're hearing the speakers' limits. I've owned a B60 for about 4 years now and know it very well. I've heard it drive more difficult speakers than yours without issues.

My room size is similar to yours, and my volume knob is usually at about 11 - 12:00. With the internal phono stage (I use a HOMC), it's at about 1 or 2:00. No problems at all. The volume knob is designed to use pretty much the full range. Most others use about a quarter. Other Bryston systems I've been around use most of the volume knob too.

I'd evaluate what you have in the new room before buying anything. You could be in for a very slipperly slope if you don't. The 685s are good speakers, but they're pretty much entry level speakers. They're not on the same level as the B60 IMO. I'd look at those and/or your source first. The only way to really figure out what you need is to hear what you've got in the new room.

The B60's 60 underrated watts will go a lot further than you think. It's a true dual mono design with 2 seperate power transformers. Nothing about it or anything else Bryston is average.
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